Dr. Benishek Supports Effort To Increase American Innovation And Competiveness

WASHINGTON, DC: Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today voted in support of the “STEM Jobs Act” (H.R. 6429), a bill designed to boost job creation and spur economic growth by making it easier for foreign graduates with advanced degrees to contribute to the United States economy.

“It’s important we keep our best and brightest graduates living and working here in America. This bill does just that. In the global economy of the 21st Century, it is critical that our nation has access to the world’s best talent,” said Dr. Benishek, a general surgeon and Iron River native.

The “STEM Jobs Act” will eliminate the diversity visa lottery and reallocate up to 55,000 green cards a year to the top foreign graduates of American universities with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Currently, foreign graduates in STEM fields are in demand by employers, but many of them end up on green card waiting lists and instead go to work for one of America’s global competitors. The “STEM Jobs Act” will make the nation’s immigration system smarter by reallocating these visas to those who make valuable contributions to the United States economy.

“Northern Michigan is home to several universities which are educating students from around the world in fields of science and technology. These top-notch graduates have the potential to develop new innovations or launch the businesses of the futures,” added Dr. Benishek.

Since coming to Congress, Dr. Benishek has been a strong supporter of STEM education and preparing students with the skills for the jobs of the future. On December 10, Dr. Benishek will host his second STEM Education Roundtable at Michigan Technological University (MTU) to discuss education and jobs with educational professionals and key Northern Michigan job providers.